Pragmatic Visions

There are no limits to what can be explored when given the right tools. Jeff Lape took a momentary pause from his day-to-day practice as a landscape designer to research sustainable agriculture practices. Throughout MatterLab, Jeff explored the role of landscape architects in the future of farming and the sustainable and resilient approach that could result in lasting, positive impact. Listen in as Jeff shares his MatterLab experience and how he’s thinking differently about farming practices since COVID-19.

Since her time as an LAF Olmsted Scholar, Lauren Delbridge has leveraged her skills as a landscape designer to identify opportunities for the practice to positively impact the most unlikely landscape—wastescapes. For over five years, she has researched coal ash ponds–their negative impact on the environment and the ways we can transform them into usable public space. Lauren’s continued exploration took a turn during MatterLab, where she spent several months advancing her research and advocacy for reclaiming these sites. Listen in as she shares her MatterLab experience and aspirations for landscape architects to be a leader in the conversation about wastescapes.

We envisioned our innovation grant program, MatterLab, to provide a platform where LandDesigners could explore their passions with no limitations. It was no surprise when Haley Dugger blew us away with Pet Rescue Resources, an online platform that educates animal rescues on how to leverage social media marketing to increase adoption rates. Listen in as Haley shares her MatterLab experience and what’s next for Pet Rescue Resources.

What do you get when you combine the perspectives of a landscape architect and a civil engineer? One well-rounded MatterLab project! Jeromy Wegryzn and Matt Weschler, PE combined their skill sets and passion for cycling to create the firm’s first-ever comprehensive Bike/Ped Design Guide. Listen in as Jeromy and Matt share their MatterLab experience and how their guide has become the starting point for designers looking to dive into micromobility.

At LandDesign, curiosity and innovation are a part of our culture. Over the last year, we made an exciting investment in advancing several research and development initiatives that led us down unexpected paths. From internal innovation to academic collaboration, we are thrilled to share with you an inside look into R+D at LandDesign. Listen in as our R+D champions, Ashley Clark and Richard Petersheim share how we’re investing in efforts that foster our culture of innovation.